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What is Mobile/Phone Addiction?
Phone addiction is the obsessive use of a smartphone. The behavioural addiction is often dubbed as “nomophobia,” or the fear of being without a mobile device. There are over 3.8 billion smartphone users in the world. Research published by Virgin Mobile discovered that those billions of smartphone users receive 427% more messages and notifications than they did a decade ago. They also send 278% more texts. The rise in phone use seems like a natural necessity for modern life, however, it can also cause concern and negative consequences. The heavy use of these devices has consumers questioning their cellular habits. According to Google Trends, since 2004 searches for “cell phone addiction” have been rising.
Negative Effects Of Phone Addiction
Chronic phone use is a recently developed form of addiction. The American Psychiatric Association does not officially recognize the condition. Still, it is acknowledged as a behavioral addiction by many medical professionals and researchers worldwide. According to several studies, over time, the devoted use of smartphones can alter and negatively impact an individual much like gambling.
Phone addiction may lead to:
- Sleep deficit
- Lower concentration
- Creativity blocks
- Aggravated ADD
- Anxiety
- Reduced cognition
- Stress
- Loneliness
- Insecurity
- Impaired relationships
- Poor grades
- Psychological disorders
Chronic phone use can also cause other physical dysfunctions, like GABA (a neurotransmitter in the brain) dysfunction and a loss of grey matter in the brain, which are highly correlated to substance use disorders.
Signs And Symptoms Of Phone Addiction
There is a fine line between healthy and compulsive mobile use. Depending too heavily on a device can lead to a mobile addiction. A scholarly journal published by the National Library of Medicine reports that 6.3% of the overall population is addicted to their smartphone. The pattern of abuse is greatest among those under 30, with an average of 16% of adolescents addicted. Though chronic phone use is prevalent, how can you distinguish between “normal” phone use and phone addiction?
Below are a few ways to discern if someone has signs and symptoms of a phone addiction:
- Lying about smartphone use.
- Loved ones expressing concern.
- Neglect or trouble completing duties at work, school, or home.
- More and more time using a phone.
- Checking peoples’ profiles repeatedly due to anxiety.
- Accidents or injury due to phone use.
- Working later to complete tasks.
- Weak or non-existent social life.
- Isolation from loved ones.
- A feeling of lack of connection.
- Angry or irritated if phone use is interrupted.
- Getting up at night to check a phone.
- Reaching for the phone the moment they are alone or bored.
- Phantom vibrations (thinking the phone buzzes when it doesn’t).
- Limiting phone use is difficult.
- Craving access to a smartphone or another device.
Phone Addiction Treatment
Phone addiction is pervasive. Still, there are ways to combat and treat the disorder. There are specialized addiction treatment centers that can help. Some of these detox centers offer a variety of programs to help their patients kick the digital addiction.
Below are a few treatment approaches used by facilities to treat phone addiction:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Group therapy
- Marriage or couples counseling
- Group support (e.g., Internet Tech Addiction Anonymous)
- Psychotherapy
- Motivational interviewing
- Medication-assisted treatment
